Plan International Director of Program Quality Alex Jacobs recently spent a fascinating morning at the launch of a special edition of Humanitarian Exchange on the Typhoon Haiyan response in the Philippines, where they discussed how aid agencies can be more accountable to the people they serve.

Five years later in Haiti, the landscape has changed. That is not to say that the then-poorest country in the Western hemisphere, even with a massive investment of donor cash, now looks like Dubai. But, after over three years of relatively stable government, there is a difference.

Youth are taking action across West Africa to fight the Ebola outbreak. Saatah, 16, from Lofa County, Liberia, is among the young Plan volunteers helping affected communities in controlling the spread of the disease.

“Building Back Better” means working with communities in the Philippines on their recovery journey, involving them as partners in the recovery process, providing emotional support and building knowledge, community spirit, and resilience: Things that aren’t seen immediately or on the surface, but can withstand any future challenge – much like the resilience of the Filipino community.

Ebola, a deadly viral disease that has no proven cure, continues to kill people at a pace that is unprecedented. The elusive illness spreads fast, several steps ahead of the response. Lessons from Nigeria will help contain the outbreak elsewhere, especially other countries that are on high alert.

My name is Amb.Beyan Flomo Pewee. I was born in the slums of Konyamah, Guinea in 1996 during the Liberian Civil War. My story is complex, as has been my life. I always believe that if one reflects on the past, one can feel hardship and pain, or one can discover lessons and hidden strengths. My life has been hard, but it has allowed me to overcome situations and be the voice for my friends, and many brothers and sisters across Liberia and West Africa.

Vulnerable Syrian refugee children in Egypt live a life of misery, despair, and challenging school conditions. Plan International is trying to make quality education possible for some of them and improve their lives.